On Site Alignment is a Dutch company with a focus on alignment on-board ships. They offer assistance when problems occur around, for example, alignment, engineering, or troubleshooting of critical machinery. Being the experts they are, On Site Alignment are all about high-end services in their field.
The following was written by our partner Easy-Laser® AB and can also be viewed on their Blog here. Enjoy
Joost van Doodewaard is responsible for the day-to-day business of On Site Alignment in the Asia region, based in Singapore. A couple of years back, they started working with equipment from Easy-Laser. We had a talk with him about the specific challenges regarding alignment of rotating machinery on-board ships, which makes up 95% of On Site Alignment’s work in Asia.
At a shipyard, a number of different tasks may occur. What would be a typical assignment for On Site Alignment?
— Needless to say, there will be a lot of rotating machines on a ship, and therefore also a number of situations that may occur. As an example, we carry out alignment of the gearbox and the main engine with shaft alignment equipment. This is where Easy-Laser comes in, the E710 shaft alignment tool to be precise. The result of the measurement shows how to adjust the main engine.
When the propeller shaft is removed, we can measure the position of the stern tube in relation to the main engine. We mount the laser alignment tool on the fly wheel and extend the centre line of the crankshaft. The detector is placed at the bearing positions. Values are recorded, the laser measurement program calculates and displays the position vertically and horizontally.
( Image left: Shaft alignment of a dredge pump.)
— We offer high-end services, which doesn’t prevent our work from being physically challenging, sometimes including complicated crawling through narrow and dirty areas. Alignment on ships comes with other challenges as well. There are a lot of parameters to take into consideration. A ship on the water is moving, and it has different loading and ballast conditions. We need to consider all of this to calculate the correct alignment targets. Strong sunlight affects metal, as we know, and of course that will affect the measurement process. To minimize the impact of this, we try to perform our work at night or early in the morning.
(Image, left: Measuring bore alignment of the sterntube. Detector seen from behind, laser transmitter on fly wheel in other end.)
On Site Alignment has been using the E710 shaft alignment tool for a couple of years now. What got you started?
— Well, to begin with, the dot laser is more accurate than a line laser. When we looked into it, it also turned out that what Easy-Laser had to offer was actually cheaper, so in the end the choice wasn’t hard. Everyone working here has to know how to use laser alignment equipment, It’s one of our tools, and we use it whenever it’s possible. At times, laser just isn’t an option, and so we use other, more traditional tools for alignment. But I would say that laser isthe tool we use the most.
( Image left: Measuring the flatness of the foundation for a linear cable engine on board a cable laying ship. See top image also.)
It’s vital to your clients to have as little downtime as possible. Are there any advantages using laser alignment equipment, compared to other tools?
— You know, anything can happen in the harsh environments where we work. Our clients need to get things going again quickly, and what happens if our tools break down? More downtime, and disappointed clients. We don’t want that. Therefore it’s important to us that the equipment we use is rugged, which is true for theE710 shaft alignment tool. Another pro is the laser alignment App, which means that even if a display unit should crash, the app could just as well be used on a backup device.
Have your clients shown any interest in your laser alignment tools?
— They are engineers! They will always be interested in advanced technology. They have been impressed with what they have seen from Easy-Laser, judging it to be high-quality tools.
So, from your point of view, continuing using laser alignment solutions from Easy-Laser does not seem unlikely?
— It seems very likely, I would say. An upgrade to the XT series when suitable is in the cards for us.
Easy-Laser would like to wish On Site Alignment the best of luck with their high-end assignments, helping their clients to stay successful.
How does laser alignment improve shipbuilding efficiency?
Laser alignment improves shipbuilding efficiency by enabling precise positioning of machinery and components, reducing installation time, downtime, and maintenance costs, thereby enhancing overall productivity and operational performance of ships.
How does laser alignment improve ship quality control?
Laser alignment helps improve ship quality control by ensuring precise positioning and alignment of machinery, reducing vibrations and wear, and enhancing operational efficiency and reliability on board ships.
How does laser alignment ensure accurate block assembly?
Laser alignment ensures accurate block assembly by precisely measuring and adjusting the position of components, minimizing misalignment and maximizing the efficiency and reliability of the assembled machinery.
Can laser alignment be used for outfitting and commissioning?
Laser alignment can be effectively used for outfitting and commissioning of machinery on ships. The precision and accuracy of laser-based alignment tools make them ideal for ensuring proper installation and readiness of critical equipment.
What is the purpose of laser alignment on ships?
The purpose of laser alignment on ships is to ensure precise positioning of machinery and equipment, minimizing uneven wear, vibration, and downtime during operations, thereby improving the overall efficiency and performance of the ship's systems.
How does laser alignment facilitate prefabrication in shipyards?
Laser alignment facilitates prefabrication in shipyards by enabling precise positioning and installation of components, reducing the need for on-site adjustments and minimizing delays in the construction process.
What are the benefits of using laser alignment on cargo ships?
The benefits of using laser alignment on cargo ships include improved machinery performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety by ensuring precise shaft and equipment alignment, which is critical for efficient and reliable cargo ship operations.
Can laser alignment reduce errors in ship construction?
Laser alignment can significantly reduce errors in ship construction by ensuring precise positioning and alignment of machinery, components, and structures, minimizing costly rework and improving overall build quality.
Can laser alignment reduce construction time in shipyards?
Laser alignment can reduce construction time in shipyards by ensuring precise machinery installation, minimizing the need for costly rework and repairs, and improving overall efficiency of the construction process.
What are the benefits of using laser alignment in ship repair?
The benefits of using laser alignment in ship repair are improved precision, reduced downtime, and enhanced machine performance by ensuring accurate alignment of machinery on ships.
How often should laser alignment be checked on ships?
Laser alignment on ships should be checked regularly, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, to ensure optimal machinery performance, minimize downtime, and prevent potential issues caused by misalignment.
How does laser alignment aid in piping system installation?
Laser alignment aids in piping system installation by ensuring precise alignment of pipes, minimizing stress and strain on the system, and improving overall system efficiency and reliability.
How accurate is laser alignment in shipbuilding?
Laser alignment in shipbuilding is highly accurate, with precision within 0.05mm, allowing for proper machinery installation and optimal performance of critical shipboard components.
What are the advantages of 3D laser alignment in shipbuilding?
The advantages of 3D laser alignment in shipbuilding include improved precision, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational efficiency for on-board machinery and equipment. 3D laser alignment provides accurate measurements and adjustments to ensure optimal performance and alignment in the challenging shipbuilding environment.
What is the importance of laser alignment in a shipyard?
The importance of laser alignment in a shipyard is to ensure precise and accurate machinery positioning, which is critical for efficient and reliable operations, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan.
How does laser alignment optimize shipbuilding processes?
Laser alignment optimizes shipbuilding processes by ensuring precise machinery positioning, reducing downtime, and improving operational efficiency. This enhances the overall quality and reliability of ship components, contributing to the successful completion of shipbuilding projects.
What challenges does laser alignment address in shipyards?
Laser alignment addresses the challenges of accurately aligning machinery on ships due to confined spaces, vibration, and environmental factors that can impact the precision required for optimal machinery performance.
How can laser alignment enhance maritime safety?
Laser alignment can enhance maritime safety by ensuring accurate positioning and optimal operation of machinery on ships, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and potential accidents.
What role does laser alignment play in ship maintenance?
Laser alignment plays a crucial role in ship maintenance by enabling precise alignment of machinery components, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime. It helps maintain the operational efficiency and reliability of ships.
How does 3D laser alignment improve assembly precision?
3D laser alignment improves assembly precision by providing accurate, real-time measurements of component positions, enabling precise adjustments for optimal alignment and minimizing potential errors or misalignment during the assembly process.
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How does laser alignment improve shipbuilding efficiency?
Laser alignment improves shipbuilding efficiency by enabling precise positioning of machinery and components, reducing installation time, downtime, and maintenance costs, thereby enhancing overall productivity and operational performance of ships.
How does laser alignment improve ship quality control?
Laser alignment helps improve ship quality control by ensuring precise positioning and alignment of machinery, reducing vibrations and wear, and enhancing operational efficiency and reliability on board ships.
How does laser alignment ensure accurate block assembly?
Laser alignment ensures accurate block assembly by precisely measuring and adjusting the position of components, minimizing misalignment and maximizing the efficiency and reliability of the assembled machinery.
Can laser alignment be used for outfitting and commissioning?
Laser alignment can be effectively used for outfitting and commissioning of machinery on ships. The precision and accuracy of laser-based alignment tools make them ideal for ensuring proper installation and readiness of critical equipment.
What is the purpose of laser alignment on ships?
The purpose of laser alignment on ships is to ensure precise positioning of machinery and equipment, minimizing uneven wear, vibration, and downtime during operations, thereby improving the overall efficiency and performance of the ship's systems.
How does laser alignment facilitate prefabrication in shipyards?
Laser alignment facilitates prefabrication in shipyards by enabling precise positioning and installation of components, reducing the need for on-site adjustments and minimizing delays in the construction process.
What are the benefits of using laser alignment on cargo ships?
The benefits of using laser alignment on cargo ships include improved machinery performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety by ensuring precise shaft and equipment alignment, which is critical for efficient and reliable cargo ship operations.
Can laser alignment reduce errors in ship construction?
Laser alignment can significantly reduce errors in ship construction by ensuring precise positioning and alignment of machinery, components, and structures, minimizing costly rework and improving overall build quality.
Can laser alignment reduce construction time in shipyards?
Laser alignment can reduce construction time in shipyards by ensuring precise machinery installation, minimizing the need for costly rework and repairs, and improving overall efficiency of the construction process.
What are the benefits of using laser alignment in ship repair?
The benefits of using laser alignment in ship repair are improved precision, reduced downtime, and enhanced machine performance by ensuring accurate alignment of machinery on ships.
How often should laser alignment be checked on ships?
Laser alignment on ships should be checked regularly, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, to ensure optimal machinery performance, minimize downtime, and prevent potential issues caused by misalignment.
How does laser alignment aid in piping system installation?
Laser alignment aids in piping system installation by ensuring precise alignment of pipes, minimizing stress and strain on the system, and improving overall system efficiency and reliability.
How accurate is laser alignment in shipbuilding?
Laser alignment in shipbuilding is highly accurate, with precision within 0.05mm, allowing for proper machinery installation and optimal performance of critical shipboard components.
What are the advantages of 3D laser alignment in shipbuilding?
The advantages of 3D laser alignment in shipbuilding include improved precision, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational efficiency for on-board machinery and equipment. 3D laser alignment provides accurate measurements and adjustments to ensure optimal performance and alignment in the challenging shipbuilding environment.
What is the importance of laser alignment in a shipyard?
The importance of laser alignment in a shipyard is to ensure precise and accurate machinery positioning, which is critical for efficient and reliable operations, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan.
How does laser alignment optimize shipbuilding processes?
Laser alignment optimizes shipbuilding processes by ensuring precise machinery positioning, reducing downtime, and improving operational efficiency. This enhances the overall quality and reliability of ship components, contributing to the successful completion of shipbuilding projects.
What challenges does laser alignment address in shipyards?
Laser alignment addresses the challenges of accurately aligning machinery on ships due to confined spaces, vibration, and environmental factors that can impact the precision required for optimal machinery performance.
How can laser alignment enhance maritime safety?
Laser alignment can enhance maritime safety by ensuring accurate positioning and optimal operation of machinery on ships, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and potential accidents.
What role does laser alignment play in ship maintenance?
Laser alignment plays a crucial role in ship maintenance by enabling precise alignment of machinery components, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime. It helps maintain the operational efficiency and reliability of ships.
How does 3D laser alignment improve assembly precision?
3D laser alignment improves assembly precision by providing accurate, real-time measurements of component positions, enabling precise adjustments for optimal alignment and minimizing potential errors or misalignment during the assembly process.
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Joost van Doodewaard is responsible for the day-to-day business of On Site Alignment in the Asia region, based in Singapore. A couple of years back, they started working with equipment from Easy-Laser. We had a talk with him about the specific challenges regarding alignment of rotating machinery on-board ships, which makes up 95% of On Site Alignment’s work in Asia.
— We offer high-end services, which doesn’t prevent our work from being physically challenging, sometimes including complicated crawling through narrow and dirty areas. Alignment on ships comes with other challenges as well. There are a lot of parameters to take into consideration. A ship on the water is moving, and it has different loading and ballast conditions. We need to consider all of this to calculate the correct alignment targets. Strong sunlight affects metal, as we know, and of course that will affect the measurement process. To minimize the impact of this, we try to perform our work at night or early in the morning.
On Site Alignment has been using the E710 shaft alignment tool for a couple of years now. What got you started?
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